Plastic fencing system

ABSTRACT

An improved plastic fencing system is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the improved plastic fencing system is constructed by manufacturing fence posts and rails of extruded vinyl plastic. The posts come in a variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes. The posts and rails include grooves, slats, or channels that allow the attachment of numerous decorative inserts or attachments. The inserts or attachments allow for multiple aesthetic looks, to include various colors, textures and styles of fencing including stucco, rock, brick, and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/467,012, filed on May 1,2003, and entitled “Improved Plastic Fencing System”, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to vinyl fencing and more particularly, tothe decorative and functional additions to be attached, by variousmeans, to vinyl fencing.

[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology

[0005] Since its introduction into the consumer market some 20 yearsago, vinyl fencing has grown in popularity. It provides a niceappearance and offers a more maintenance free approach than thetraditional wood fence.

[0006] There has also been, just in the past several generations, amajor shift on the emphasis placed on fencing. As our society has becomeless agriculturally based and moved more and more people into plannedand developed urbanized communities, fencing has also evolved. Prioruses of fencing were more functional in nature and application. Fencingwas built to hold animals within certain confines, to keep animals outof specific areas or to protect sensitive areas from unwanted use ortrespass. Fences further defined property lines and boundaries and wereuseful in dividing lands for rotational uses in grazing and/or otherland uses. Fencing then provided a more utilitarian function.

[0007] In today's lifestyles, communities, uses and designs, fencing hastaken on yet another function and application, that of design andappearance, adding beautification as a major priority. More fencing isnow being made than ever before to be aesthetically and cosmeticallyattractive in its appearance and design. Beauty, style, design, and easeof maintenance have become preferred to the past utilitarian functionsand approaches. While all fencing still lends itself to definingborders, boundaries and some applications of animal confinement, a fargreater emphasis is now being placed on the fence's appearance and stylethan ever before.

[0008] Vinyl fencing, until just recently, has been primarily white incolor and appearance. With the late additions of tan, green and mostrecently black, the consumer now has a choice in color. Very little, ifanything at all, has been further developed and/or is available intoday's marketplace that offers a more decorative approach to vinylfencing, other than color alternatives.

[0009] All the major and minor manufacturers, extruders, and producersof vinyl fencing products share a vast commonality in their productlines of posts, rails, and a privacy fencing components. Industry wide,color appears to be the latest and greatest step forward in theirofferings to consumers, which is something new in the decorativeapproach to vinyl fencing. With improvements in plastics, ultra violetinhibitors and extrusion methods and equipment, vinyl fencing has notonly proven to be a viable economic product but also one that is here tostay. It only stands to reason that further enhancements should beinvented, designed, manufactured and sold to further expand and enhancethe uses, applications and appearance preferences of vinyl fencingproducts available to the general public.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In view of the foregoing, it would be an advancement in the artto provide the decorative designs and highly advanced cosmeticattachments to vinyl fencing and other vinyl products that do not existin today's marketplace. Exemplary embodiments of the present inventionmeet this need.

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include multiplecomponents designed and engineered to enable the use of decorativeinserts and enhancements. It vastly improves the overall appearance ofthe vinyl fence, and other vinyl products, by allowing additionalproducts to be added or attached to existing vinyl fences. Through theuse of various embodiments of these newly designed products, decorativeinserts can be added to the fence, substantially altering itsappearance. To allow the beautification and reflection of the exteriordesign of a home's features to be extended to that home's fence bringsthe home and its fenced borders into unifying harmony. There are nowextended uses and further applications of vinyl fencing products thatfurther increase the strength and rigidity of the fence while enhancingappearance.

[0012] One aspect of the invention is the design of a vinyl post havingformed or extruded integrally therein an elongated slot or slots on oneor more faces to allow for the insertion or attachment ofinterchangeable and decorative panels and other accessory type products.This design substantially increases the strength and rigidity of thepost itself and further accommodates the use of a wide variety ofinsertable or attachable panels. More particularly, this designaccommodates the use of decorative panels covering a multiplicity offeatures and designs, giving the post additional capacities anddramatically adding to the uses of, while enlarging the application andattachment of, cosmetic features to the fence. The panels can either beinserted in the slots, snapped around the post to grip walls of theslots, or attached by other methods.

[0013] This new design in vinyl posts can be extruded in manycross-sectional sizes and shapes, including but not limited to 4″×4″;5″×5″; 6″×6″; 5″×8″; 8″×8″ and even 14″×14″ or larger. The crosssectional shape may be square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, orother shapes and cross sections suitable for fence posts. This productmay be used with a new or first installation of a vinyl fence, thusproviding for the capacity to insert varying types of decorativeinserts. While these posts can be extruded or made in various sizes,lengths, shapes and colors, the invention is not limited to plasticextrusion techniques, but may also be manufactured by injection or blowmolding, rotational molding, and any other plastic manufacturingtechnique suitable for forming fence posts. In a preferred embodiment,the posts are manufactured out of vinyl, PVC or other applicableplastics. However, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS and other types ofplastics would be suitable, depending on the specific manufacturingtechnique selected.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention is the newly designed Single andDouble Sided slot attachments. These slot attachments are designed tofit existing vinyl posts and/or rails having a 90° angle forming theircorners; such square posts most widely exist in the 4″×4″ and 5″×5″sizes, while the rails are generally anywhere between about 1.5″ andabout 4″ wide. These slot attachments are designed to be attached to thecorners of the existing square style of vinyl, wood, or other materialsused as fence posts, either by chemical adhesives to include glues,epoxies, and other means of forming a chemical bond between surfaces,and/or mechanical fasteners, including screws, nails, bolts, rivets andthe like. This creates a slot on the face of the posts and rails thatwould further enable the existing square post and rails to nowaccommodate the insertion of the decorative panels or functional typeaccessory items. These corners can be applied in any length or sectionof the post in order to achieve the desired function and/or aestheticobjectives and results.

[0015] Alternately, these slot attachments can have rounded corners thatcorrespond to various diameter rounded corners that may exist. Forexample, the corners can be rounded anywhere from a {fraction (1/4)}inch radius to a two or more inch radius, depending on the size of thepost or rail to which the slot attachments will be added.

[0016] These components were designed and invented as a means to‘retrofit’ the existing posts and rails with further capacities to holdinsertable panels and products. These posts and rails now have no suchcapacity to hold an insertable or interchangeable type decorative panelor other functionary or decorative type items, thus enlarging thepresent uses and functions of the square posts and rails by addingcapacities not previously available. As with the posts described above,these slot attachments can be extruded or manufactured in a variety ofcolors, lengths, shapes and sizes, and formed from a variety of plasticmaterials using any of the plastic manufacturing techniques describedabove.

[0017] In alternate exemplary embodiments, slot attachments can beproduced that attach to the face of existing posts and/or rails. As withthe corner slot attachments, that face slot attachments can be fixed torails and/or posts using chemical or mechanical fasteners. With both thecorner slot attachments and the face slot attachments, they can beattached along the entire length of the rail/post, along a portion ofthe rail/post, or intermittently along the rail/post. As long as thereis a sufficient length of slots on each side to hold the decorativepanels, the various corner and face slot attachments are considered tofall within the scope of these exemplary embodiments. The primarypurpose of the slot attachments is to create a slot on the face of therail, slat or post that would further enable the rails, slats, and postsof a fence to accommodate the insertion of decorative panels and orfunctional type accessory items. These slot attachments can bemanufactured in various sizes, colors, lengths and shapes.

[0018] These and other objects and features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features ofthe present invention, a more particular description of the inventionwill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020]FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a fence postaccording to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment of a post and both a slide inand a snap-over version of panels that can be attached to the posts;

[0022]FIGS. 3A and 3B show a top and front view, respectively, ofexemplary embodiments of the snap-over panels of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary side rail according to analternative aspect of the present invention;

[0024]FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an alternate exemplary side rail havingtwo different embodiments of a slot attachment piece; and

[0025]FIG. 6 shows one exemplary embodiment of a privacy fence slat thatcan also accommodate decorative panels, according to yet another aspectof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are drawn to aplastic fencing system, and the exemplary posts, rails and decorativepanels that make up the fencing system. Additionally, alternateexemplary embodiments of the present invention are drawn to slotattachments that allow an individual to attach the various decorativepanels to existing fencing systems without replacing the posts and railsof the existing system.

[0027]FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one exemplary embodiment of afence post, designated generally as reference numeral 100. Post 100includes a front side 102, a rear side 104, and right and left sides106, 108, respectively. Those skilled in the art will realize that thedesignations “front”, “rear” and “sides” are arbitrary. Thesedesignations are provided to enable discussion of the various aspects ofthe fence post, and should not be construed to limit the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention in any way.

[0028] In this exemplary embodiment, post 100 has four symmetrical andsubstantially identical corners, 110A-110D. Since the corners 110A-D aresubstantially identical in this embodiment, we will limit our discussionto corner 110A. However, it is understood that the discussion of corner110A applies equally well to corners 110B, 110C, and 100D.

[0029] Corner portion 110A of post 100 includes an outside cornerportion 112A. While outside corner portion 112A is shown as beingslightly rounded, this need not be the case. Corner portion 112A couldbe squared off, more rounded than shown, less rounded than shown, orsome other configuration. Corner portion 110A defines one outside cornerof post 100. Corner portion 110A further includes first and second tabs114A, 116A. Tab 114A and side 106 define a first slot 118A. Tab 116A andside 102 define a second slot 120A. Tab 114A has a rounded portion 122A.Tab 116A has a rounded portion 124A. As with corner portion 112A,rounded portions 122A, 124A can also be squared off, more rounded thanshown, less rounded than shown, or some other configuration.

[0030] While FIG. 1 shows corners 110A-D as having a basicallyarrow-shaped cross section, this is for illustrative purposes only. Anycorner design that facilitates the attachment of the decorative panels(discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3) fall within the scopeof the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Other examples ofcorner designs are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0031] Slots 120A of corner 110A and 120D of corner 110D provide oneexample of structure used to attach a panel (not shown, but see FIG. 3)to side 102. Likewise, slots 118A and 118B provides structure used toattach a panel to side 106. Slots 118A, 118B, 120A, and 120B can run theentire length of post 100, part of the length of post 100, or beperiodically spaced on post 100. As long as the slots provide sufficientstructure and support to hold a panel in place, they are contemplated tobe within the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] In alternately exemplary embodiments, a “snap-on” panel could beattached to post 100 by fitting over, for example, rounded portions 124Aand 124B of corners 110A and 1103B. These panels will be discussed inmore detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. While post 100 isshown as having slots on all four sides that facilitate the attachmentof panels, this need not be the case. Post 100 can be constructed havingone, two, three, or all four sides receiving a panel.

[0033] Post 100 is shown having a basically rectangular cross-section.This is for purposes of illustration only. Post 100 can have anycross-section that facilitates the attachment of the decorative panelsdiscussed in detail below. By way of example and not limitation, post100 can have a triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or othercross-section. Additionally, post 100 can be manufactured in manydimensions including, by way of example and not limitation, 4×4 inches,4×6 inches, 6×6 inches, 6×8 inches, etc. Posts with sides having a widthof from about 2 inches to 20 or more inches are contemplated to fallwithin the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will also realize that post 100 can bemanufactured in any desired length. For example, in exemplaryembodiments, post 100 can be between 3 and 10 feet in length. The actuallength of post 100 in a particular application will depend on how highthe user desires the fence to be above the ground. Other shorter andlonger lengths are also possible and fall within the scope of theexemplary embodiments.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, post 100 is made from plastic. Examplesof the types of plastics that can be used to construct post 100 include,but are not limited to, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene,polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and other types ofplastics. In this exemplary embodiment, post 100 is manufactured usingplastic manufacturing techniques known to those of skill in the art.Such techniques can include, by way of example and not limitation,extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, and anyother plastic manufacturing technique suitable for forming fence postsout of the materials outlined above. In this exemplary embodiment, post100 can be manufactured in a single step. For example, post 100 can beextruded and cut to any desired length. Alternately, posts can bemanufactured in multiple steps, wherein slot attachments are added afterthe post has been formed. This will be discussed in more detail belowwith respect to FIG. 5.

[0036] Also in this exemplary embodiment, post 100 is illustrated ashaving a uniform wall thickness D1. However, this need not be the case.For example, the walls of sides 102, 104, 106 and 108 can have adifferent thickness than the walls of corners 110A-D. In this exemplaryembodiment, the thickness D1 of walls 102, 104, 106, and 108 of post 100is approximately 0.150 inches. However, thicknesses from about 0.090inches to about 0.250 inches are also contemplated to fall within thescope of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Alternately, post 100can be a solid piece of plastic.

[0037] The specific wall thickness D1, design of corners 110A-D andintegrated slots of post 100 provide lateral structural support for post100. This makes post 100 both strong and lightweight. Post 100 istherefore easy to carry and install. It will stand up to wind andweather.

[0038] Post 100 further includes one or more rail slots 128 (shown inphantom) spaced up from the bottom and down from the top that are sizedand configured to accommodate fence rails. When a plurality of posts 100are erected at spaced apart intervals, a plurality of rails can beinserted in the rail slots 128 to form a fence system. Each post 100 canaccommodate one, two, or more rail slots 128 on a side. While rail slots128 are illustrated as being on sides 106 and 108 of post 100, thoseskilled in the art will realize that rail slots 128 could be found onsides 102 and 104 instead of, or in addition to, the illustratedconfiguration. Alternately, rail slots 128 could be found on adjacentsides, for example, sides 102 and 106. This would be the case if post100 was to be used as a corner post in which the rails were joined topost 100 at right or other angles additionally, the depth of rail slots128 is shown for exemplary purposes only. The actual depth of rail slots128 can be greater or lesser than that shown, depending on the distancebetween posts. Specific details concerning exemplary designs for therails are discussed below with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0039] An alternate exemplary embodiment of a fence post is illustratedin FIG. 2, and designated generally as reference numeral 200. Post 200includes a front side 202, a rear side 204, and right and left sides206, 208, respectively. Those skilled in the art will realize that thedesignations “front”, “rear” and “sides” are arbitrary. Thesedesignations are provided to enable discussion of the various aspects ofthe fence post, and should not be construed to limit the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention in any way.

[0040] Side 202 includes an indentation 210 defined by a right tab 212and a left tab 214. Part of indentation 210 includes slots 216, 218 thataccommodate a decorative panel 220. Slots 216, 218 are substantiallysimilar to slots 118A, 120A in FIG. 1. Depending on the specificdimensions of posts 100 and 200, panel 220 can be inserted into eitherpost 100 or post 200. Specific details concerning embodiments of panel220 will be discussed below with respect to FIG. 3.

[0041] In this exemplary embodiment, sides 206 and 208 includes recesses222, 224, respectively. These recesses 222, 224 can extend down post 200at least to ground level when post 200 is planted in the ground.Alternately, recesses 222, 224 can extend only part way down post 200.Recess 222 and bottom side 204 define a right protrusion 226. Recess 224and bottom side 204 define a left protrusion 228. Protrusions 226, 228are sized to allow an alternate embodiment of a panel 230 to be attachedto post 200. Panel 230 can be “snapped” onto post 200 without the use oftools of any kind. Alternately, panel 230 can be slid over protrusions226, 228. Details concerning panels 220, 230 will be discussed belowwith respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0042]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate top and side views, respectively, ofone exemplary embodiment of a fence 300 comprising one or more panels310 attached to a fence post 330. A plurality of generally horizontalrails 350 are supported in corresponding rail slots 332 in post 330. Inthis exemplary embodiment, panels 310, posts 330 and rails 350 can allbe assembled without the use of tools of any kind. While post 330 shownin this embodiment is a double sided version of the portion of post 200that supports a snap on panel 310, post 300 could also be similar topost 100, the opposite side of post 200 discussed above, or somealternate design. In this exemplary embodiment, panel 330 can also beslid over protrusions 334 of post 330. As long as post 300 canaccommodate the connection of decorative panels, it falls within thescope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Panels 310 can be manufactured in a variety of styles, colors,and textures. For example, in FIG. 3, panel 310 provides the appearanceof a stone wall, with a plurality of “stones” 312 mounted on orintegrally formed within panel 310. In alternate exemplary embodiments,panel 310 can be a solid surface of any desired color. Additionally,panel 310 can have the appearance of brick, stucco, wood grain, tile,mosaic, an embossed pattern, and various other styles and types whichcan also be manufactured in any color. Furthermore, panel 310 can have asmooth, textured, or mottled surface, depending on the desires of theowner of the fence. This incredible diversity of panel types has notbeen previously available. Further still, the panels can be easilychanged if desired. For example, an individual could go from a stonefence, to a brick fence, to a stucco fence, to a solid color fence,without having to actually build a new fence every time. Alternately, anindividual could have, by way of example and not limitation, a stonefence facing one direction, and a solid color fence facing anotherdirection.

[0044] In this exemplary embodiment, panels 310 can be manufactured froma plastic. Examples of the types of plastics that can be used toconstruct panels 310 include, but are not limited to, vinyl, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene,acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and other types of plastics. Inthis exemplary embodiment, panels 310 are manufactured using plasticmanufacturing techniques known to those of skill in the art. Suchtechniques can include, by way of example and not limitation, extrusion,injection or blow molding, rotational molding, and any other plasticmanufacturing technique suitable for forming panels out of the materialsoutlined above.

[0045] While the paragraphs above discuss a “snap-on” panel 310, thediscussion also applies to slide in panels, such as panel 220 in FIG. 2.Slide-in panel 220 can also be manufactured in any of the styles andcolors discussed above. Additionally, slide-in panel 220 can also bemanufactured from the same types of materials as panel 310. Slide-inpanel 220 can be anywhere from 2 inches to 8 feet or more in width. Thelonger widths can be used with the privacy panels discussed below withreference to FIG. 6.

[0046]FIGS. 4 and 5A illustrate exemplary embodiments of rails that canbe used with the exemplary embodiments of posts shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG.4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of adouble sided rail 400. Rail 400 includes a generally rectangular centralportion 402 having a first side 404 and a second side 406. In thisexemplary embodiment, first side 404 and second side 406 aresymmetrical. However, those skilled in the art will realize that thisneed not be the case.

[0047] First side 404 includes first tab 408 that defines first slot410, and second tab 412 that defines slot 414. In this exemplaryembodiment, tabs 408 and 412 are formed integrally with rail 400.However, FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment where thetabs are not integrally formed, but are applied as slot attachmentsafter the rail has been manufactured. As with posts 100 and 200discussed above, slots 410, 414 allow a decorative panel, such as panel220 in FIG. 2, to, be inserted therein. Slots 410, 414 can run theentire length of rail 400, part of the length of rail 400, or beperiodically spaced on rail 400. As long as slots 410, 414 provide asufficient structure to hold a panel in place, they are contemplated tobe within the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] Second side 404 is similarly constructed to first side 402; andthe discussion of first side 402 above applies to second side 404, aswell. In alternate exemplary embodiments, a snap-on panel, rather than aslide in panel, such as panel 310 in FIG. 3, could also be used on therails. As previously discussed above, the panels that are designedto fitwithin rail 400 can be identical in structure to panel 310 (FIG. 3) oris B w panel 220 (FIG. 2).

[0049] In this exemplary embodiment, rail 400 can be manufactured from aplastic. Examples of the types of plastics that can be used to constructrail 400 include, but are not limited to, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride(PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene(ABS), and other types of plastics. In this exemplary 0 embodiment, rail400 is manufactured using plastic manufacturing techniques known tothose of skill in the art. Such techniques can include, by way ofexample and not limitation, extrusion, injection or blow molding,rotational molding, and any other plastic manufacturing techniquesuitable for forming panels out of the materials outlined above.

[0050] Also in this exemplary embodiment, rail 400 can be made as aunitary piece of any desired length. Lengths from 1 foot to 20 or morefeet are contemplated to fall with the scope of the exemplaryembodiments of rail 400. Additionally, any cross-sectional dimensionsthat are desired can be accommodated in this exemplary embodiment ofrail 400. By way of example and not limitation, rail 400 can have awidth of from {fraction (1/2)} inch to 4 inches or more, and a height offrom about 3 inches to about 20 inches or more.

[0051] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, rail 400 isillustrated as having a uniform wall thickness D2. However, this neednot be the case. For example, the walls of sides 404, 406 can have adifferent thickness than the walls of top and bottom portions of therail. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness D2 of walls 404, 406,of rail 400 is approximately 0.150 inches. However, thicknesses fromabout 0.090 inches to about 0.250 inches or greater are alsocontemplated to fall within the scope of exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Alternately, rail 400 can be a solid piece of z plastic.

[0052]FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional end view of an alternateembodiment of a side rail, designated generally as reference numeral500. Rail 500 includes a rail section 502 having a generally rectangularcross section. However, other cross sections, including, but not limitedto, square, triangular, and polygonal, could also be used.

[0053] Rail section 502 includes a first embodiment of a slot attachment504 that defines a first slot 506. Rail section 502 further includes asecond embodiment of a slot attachment 508 that defines a second slot510. First and second slot attachments 504, 508 are shown for thepurposes of illustration of the different embodiments. In exemplaryembodiments of rail 500, first and second slot attachments 504, 508 canbe used as complementary pairs, i.e. an upper and lower first slotattachment 504 or an upper and lower second slot attachment 508. Anyembodiment of a slot attachment that can be affixed to rail section 502and that can hold a decorative panel such as those discussed above iscontemplated to fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0054] First and second slot attachments 504, 508 can be attached torail section 502 using chemical adhesives designed for that or otherpurposes. Such chemical adhesives can include, by way of example and notlimitation, glues, epoxies, resins, and other chemical adhesives knownto those of skill in the art. FIG. 5B shows a detailed view of onesection of slot attachment 508 illustrating “glue bumps” 520 thatfacilitate the attachment of slot attachments 504, 508 using chemicaladhesives. These bumps 520 provide for an offset between the post orrail the slot attachments 504, 508 are glued to, and the attachmentsthemselves. This allows for a more secure chemical bond between slotattachments 504, 508 and the material of the posts or rails.Alternately, first and second slot attachments 504, 508 can be attachedto rail section 502 using mechanical fasteners such as nails, screws,rivets, bolts, and the like.

[0055] In this exemplary embodiment, rail 500 can be constructedsimilarly to rail without the integrally formed tabs. Alternately, rail500 can be a pre-existing rail made from wood, plastic, or some othermaterial capable of having first and second slot attachments affixed toit by one of the methods discussed above. First and/or second slotattachments 504, 508 can also be added to existing fence posts, thusallowing the decorative panels to be installed on the posts as well asthe rails. Consequently, the decorative panels can be retroactivelyinstalled on existing fencing, without having to incur the expense ofreplacing the existing fence posts and rails.

[0056] Slot attachment 508 is shown as having an attachment curvature512 that approximates the curve of the corner of rail 500. However, slotattachment 508 can be manufactured in a variety of differentconfigurations depending on the type and geometry of the rails and poststhat will receive slot attachment 508. By way of example and notlimitation, slot attachment 508 can have attachment curvatures that canhave radii from about 0.1 inch to about 1.5 inches. Alternately, slotattachment 508 can be made with square corners to facilitate attachmentto square, rectangular, or otherwise shaped posts having square corners.

[0057] Additionally, slot attachments 504, 508 can run the entire lengthof rail 502, part of the length of rail 502, or be intermittently spacedon rail 502. As long as a sufficient length of slot attachments 504, 508are connected to rail 502, other existing rails or posts, to receive thedecorative panels discussed above, such attachments are considered tofall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0058] In this exemplary embodiment, slot attachments 504, 508 can bemanufactured from a plastic. Examples of the types of plastics that canbe used to construct slot attachments 504, 508 include, but are notlimited to, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene,polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and other types ofplastics. In this exemplary embodiment, slot attachments 504, 508 aremanufactured using plastic manufacturing techniques known to those ofskill in the art. Such techniques can include, by way of example and notlimitation, extrusion, injection or blow molding, rotational molding,and any other plastic manufacturing technique suitable for formingpanels out of the materials outlined above.

[0059]FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a privacy panel 600 according toyet another aspect of the present invention. Privacy panel 600 includesa panel member 602 having a tab 604 on a first end and a tab slot 606 onan opposite end. A plurality of panel members 602 can be joined togetherby inserting one tab 604 into a corresponding tab slot 606 on anadjacent panel member 602. In this manner, as many panels 600 can beassembled and interlocked to provide privacy. Tabs 604 and interlockingtab slots 606 are sometimes known as “tongue in groove” construction.

[0060] Panel 600 further includes a plurality of slot attachments 608.In this exemplary embodiment, two slot attachments 608 can be located oneach side of panel member 602. This allows a decorative panel, such asthose previously discussed, to be inserted into either or both sides ofpanel member 602. Alternately, slot attachments 608 can be located ononly one side, for example, the side that faces toward the street orotherwise to the outside of the fence system. As with tabs 408, 412(FIG. 4), slot attachments 608 can be integrally formed with panelmember 602 during the manufacturing process. Alternately, slotattachments 608 can provide another example, similar to slot attachments504, 508 (FIG. 5), of slot attachments that can be added to panel member602 in a post-manufacturing process.

[0061] In this exemplary embodiment, panel member 602 can bemanufactured from a plastic. Examples of the types of plastics that canbe used to construct panel member 602 include, but are not limited to,vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene,acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and other types of plastics. Inthis exemplary embodiment, panel member 602 is manufactured usingplastic manufacturing techniques known to those of skill in the art.Such techniques can include, by way of example and not limitation,extrusion, injection or blow molding, rotational molding, and any otherplastic manufacturing technique suitable for forming panels out of thematerials outlined above.

[0062] Also in this exemplary embodiment, panel member 602 can be madeas a unitary piece of any desired length. Lengths from 1 foot to 20 ormore feet, depending on the desired height of the privacy fencing systemdesired, are contemplated to fall with the scope of the exemplaryembodiments of panel member 602. Additionally, any cross-sectionaldimensions that are desired can be accommodated in this exemplaryembodiment of panel member 602. By way of example and not limitation,panel member 602 can have a width of from about 2 inches to about 6inches or more, and a depth of from about 0.75 inch to about 3.0 inchesor more. Multiple panel members 602 can be fitted together to form alarger fence panel. By way of example and not limitation, the largerfence panels could be 6, 7, 8 or more feet in width, which are somestandard fence panel widths known to those of skill in the art.

[0063] While panel member 602 is shown as having a pair of slotattachments 608 on each side, those skilled in the art will realize thatthis need not be the case. For example, multiple panel members 602 couldbe put together to form a larger 8 foot panel. This 8 foot panel couldthen have a right slot attachment 608 on one side, and a left slotattachment 608 on the other side. This would only require one slide inpanel, such as slide-in panel 220 (FIG. 2). This slide-in panel 220could then be attached, using chemical or mechanical fasteners (aspreviously discussed), to panel members 602 at various locations toprovide desired support.

[0064] Panels 600, and multiple panel members 602, can be attached to afence system. In one exemplary embodiment, a lower rail (not shown)having a top portion removed is fixed near ground level of the post.Panels 600 then fit inside the opened lower rail, and an additionalopened rail (not shown) is attached at the top to secure panel members602 in place. In this manner, larger fence panels can be constructed. Inalternate embodiments of this exemplary embodiment, the lower rail canhave metal reinforcing located within the channel to provide additionalstructural support to the panel members 602. Similar construction of“tongue in groove” type plastic fence panels is known to those of skillin the art.

[0065] The fence posts, panels, rails and slot attachments detailedabove provide a fencing system that is highly advantageous overcurrently available fencing systems. First, the components, includingthe fence posts, rails, decorative and privacy panels are made fromplastic. They are strong, lightweight, and come in a very wide varietyof colors, textures and styles. For examples, panels can be made withrock, brick, stucco, wood grain, tile, mosaic, an embossed pattern, anda multitude of other styles, patterns and colors, to complement nearlyany desired location or architectural style.

[0066] The panels can be interchangeable, so that an individual candecide to completely change the appearance of the existing plastic fencesystem by simply installing new panels having a different face than theold. The posts and rails can remain in place. An individual can get avirtually new fence for much less cost than Einstalling all new fencing.

[0067] The various types and styles of slot attachments make it veryeasy to convert existing fencing to the new system. Currently installedposts and rails can remain in place, while the entire character of thefence is changed with the addition of the decorative panels. The slotattachments can be added to most existing fencing, whether the cornersof the posts and rails are square or rounded. As with the new post andrail design. Once the slot attachments have been attached to the oldposts and rails, either with chemical adhesives or mechanical fasteners,the panels can be changed whenever an individual decides, thusconverting from, for example, stone facing to brick facing.

[0068] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

I claim:
 1. A fence post comprising: a plastic post, said post having aplurality of elongated slots on at least one side, said slots beingsized and configured to accommodate a panel.
 2. The fence post of claim1, wherein said post comprises any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride,polyethylene, polypropylene, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).3. The fence post of claim 2, wherein said post is produced by any oneof extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and rotational molding.4. The fence post of claim 1, wherein said post has two of saidelongated slots on each of at least two sides, each side being able toreceive a different panel.
 5. The fence post of claim 1, wherein saidpost has a cross-section that is any one of approximately square,approximately rectangular, approximately triangular, and approximatelypolygonal.
 6. The fence post of claim 5, wherein each side of said postmeasures between 3 inches and 20 inches in width.
 7. The fence post ofclaim 1, wherein said panel comprises any one of vinyl, polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ABS.
 8. The fence post ofclaim 7, wherein said panel is non-white.
 9. The fence post of claim 7,wherein said panel comprises a pattern, said pattern comprising any oneof brick, rock, stucco, wood grain, tile, mosaic, and an embossedpattern.
 10. A fence post comprising: a plastic post, said post having aplurality of elongated protrusions on at least one side, saidprotrusions being sized and configured to accommodate a panel.
 11. Thefence post of claim 10, wherein said post comprises any one of vinyl,polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, andacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
 12. The fence post of claim 11,wherein said post is produced by any one of extrusion, injectionmolding, blow molding, and rotational molding.
 13. The fence post ofclaim 10, wherein said post has two of said elongated protrusions oneach of at least two sides, each side being able to receive a differentpanel.
 14. The fence post of claim 10, wherein said post has across-section that is any one of approximately square, approximatelyrectangular, approximately triangular, and approximately polygonal. 15.The fence post of claim 14, wherein each side of said post measuresbetween 3 inches and 20 inches in width.
 16. The fence post of claim 10,wherein said panel comprises any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride,polyethylene, polypropylene, and ABS.
 17. The fence post of claim 16,wherein said panel is non-white.
 18. The fence post of claim 16, whereinsaid panel comprises a pattern, said pattern comprising any one ofbrick, rock, stucco, wood grain, tile, mosaic, and an embossed pattern.19. The fence post of claim 10, wherein said panel is configured toslide over said protrusions.
 20. The fence post of claim 10, whereinsaid panel is configured to snap over said protrusions.
 21. A fencingsystem comprising: a plurality of posts, each of said posts having aplurality of elongated slots on at least one side, said slots beingsized and configured to accommodate at least a first panel, each of saidposts further having at least one rail slot; and at least one railhaving a plurality of elongated slots on at least one side, said slotsbeing sized and configured to accommodate at least a second panel;wherein each of said at least one rail has a first end portion that fitswithin said rail slot of a first post and an opposite end portion thatfits within said rail slot of an adjacent post.
 22. The fencing systemof claim 21, wherein each of said posts and said at least one railcomprise any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene,polypropylene, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
 23. Thefencing system of claim 22, wherein each of said posts and said at leastone rail are produced by any one of extrusion, injection molding, blowmolding, and rotational molding.
 24. The fencing system of claim 21,wherein each of said posts has two of said elongated slots on each of atleast two sides.
 25. The fencing system of claim 21, wherein said atleast one rail has two of said elongated slots on each of a front faceand a rear face.
 26. The fencing system of claim 21, wherein said postshave a cross-section that is any one of square, rectangular, triangular,and polygonal.
 27. The fencing system of claim 26, wherein each side ofsaid posts measures between 3 inches and 20 inches in width.
 28. Thefencing system of claim 21, wherein said first and second panelscomprise any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene,polypropylene, and ABS.
 29. The fencing system of claim 28, wherein saidfirst and second panel is non-white.
 30. The fencing system of claim 28,wherein said first and second panel comprises a decorative pattern, saidpattern comprising any one of brick, rock, stucco, . . . .
 31. A fencingsystem comprising: a plurality of posts, each of said posts having aplurality of elongated protrusions on at least one side, saidprotrusions being sized and configured to accommodate at least a firstpanel, each of said posts further having at least one rail slot; and atleast one rail having a plurality of elongated slots on at least oneside, said slots being sized and configured to accommodate at least asecond panel; wherein each of said at least one rail has a first endportion that fits within said rail slot of a first post and an oppositeend portion that fits within said rail slot of an adjacent post.
 32. Thefencing system of claim 31, wherein each of said posts and said at leastone rail comprise any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene,polypropylene, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
 33. Thefencing system of claim 32, wherein each of said posts and said at leastone rail are produced by any one of extrusion, injection molding, blowmolding, and rotational molding.
 34. The fencing system of claim 31,wherein each of said posts has two of Msaid elongated protrusions oneach of at least two sides.
 35. The fencing system of claim 31, whereinsaid at least one rail has two of said elongated slots on each of afront face and a rear face.
 36. The fencing system of claim 31, whereinsaid posts have a cross-section that is any one of square, rectangular,triangular, and polygonal.
 37. The fencing system of claim 36, whereineach side of said posts measures between 3 inches and 20 inches inwidth.
 38. The fencing system of claim 31, wherein said first and secondpanels comprise any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene,polypropylene, and ABS.
 39. The fencing system of claim 38, wherein saidfirst and second panel is non-white.
 40. The fencing system of claim 38,wherein said first and second panel comprises a decorative pattern, saidpattern comprising any one of brick, rock, stucco, wood grain, tile,mosaic, and an embossed pattern.
 41. An improvement to an existing fencesystem, the fence system comprising a plurality of posts at spaced apartintervals and at least one rail connected between adjacent posts, theimprovement comprising: at least post slot attachments attached oneither side of said posts and running a distance down said posts, saidslot attachments defining a channel adapted to receive afirst panel; andat least two rail slot attachments attached to said at least one rail,said rail slot attachments defining a channel adapted to receive asecond panel.
 42. The improved fencing system of claim 41, wherein saidfirst and second panels comprise any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride,polyethylene, polypropylene, and ABS.
 43. The improved fencing system ofclaim 42, wherein said first and second panel is non-white.
 44. Theimproved fencing system of claim 42, wherein said first and second panelcomprises a decorative pattern, said pattern comprising any one ofbrick, rock, stucco, wood grain, tile, mosaic, and an embossed pattern.45. The improved fencing system of claim 41, wherein said post slotattachments are attached around adjacent corners of said post.
 46. Theimproved fencing system of claim 41, wherein said post slot attachmentsare attached near adjacent corners of said post.
 47. The improvedfencing system of claim 41, wherein said rail slot attachments areattached around adjacent edges of said rail.
 48. The improved fencingsystem of claim 41, wherein said rail slot attachments are attached nearadjacent edges of said rail.
 49. A fencing system comprising: aplurality of posts, each of said posts having a plurality of elongatedslots on at least one side, said slots being sized and configured toaccommodate at least a first panel, each of said posts further having atleast an upper and a lower rail slot; and a privacy panel having aplurality of elongated slots on at least one side, said slots beingsized and configured to accommodate at least a second panel, saidprivacy panel further comprising at least upper and lower rails; whereinsaid upper rail has a first end portion that fits within said upper railslot of a first post and an opposite end portion that fits within saidupper rail slot of an adjacent post, and wherein said lower rail has afirst end portion that fits within said lower rail slot of a first postand an opposite end portion that fits within said lower rail slot of anadjacent post
 50. The fencing system of claim 49, wherein said first andsecond panels comprise any one of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride,polyethylene, polypropylene, and ABS.
 51. The fencing system of claim50, wherein said first and second panel is non-white.
 52. The fencingsystem of claim 50, wherein said first and second panel comprises adecorative pattern, said pattern comprising any one of brick, rock,stucco, wood grain, tile, mosaic, and an embossed pattern.
 53. Thefencing system of claim 49, wherein said privacy panels are from about 2feet to about 10 feet in width.